S-08 Gardener- Natural Areas Steward- Cornell Botanic Gardens

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

Department Background:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

Cornell Botanic Gardens is a living plant museum comprising over 3,800 acres of University land in three major areas: the Botanical Gardens, Arboretum, and Natural Areas. An administrative unit of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Cornell Botanic Gardens manages and protects these areas to support teaching and research at Cornell University; to preserve habitats and rare/endangered plants; and for public use for learning and recreation.

Position Summary:

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This position is full time (39 hours) for 10 months and half time (20 hours) for 2 months. Under the direction of the Director of Natural Areas, assist in the oversight of all aspects of the site management, restoration, and protection of on- and off-campus natural areas in support of the Botanic Gardens' mission. As a member of the stewardship crew, assist in determining natural area management needs, make recommendations, and execute stewardship activities and special projects. Evaluate trail conditions, report hazards, conduct trail maintenance, and respond to emergency alerts. Maintain regulatory and safety signage for on- and off-campus natural areas. Implement programs for site monitoring, invasive species control, and support hazard tree removal and nuisance wildlife abatements. Collect natural resource information, and use GIS to monitor sites, species, or other conditions. Participate in Gardens programs to protect rare and scarce native plants in Natural Areas, propagate native plants of local genotypes, restore them to protected habitats and support research. Provide general support and technical expertise for preserve educational uses and participate in Botanic Gardens' educational programs. Work with interns, volunteers, student workers, and other staff as a member of the natural areas stewardship crew. Ensure that work is conducted in a safe manner. Substantial manual labor is involved requiring physical fitness, awareness of safety issues, and proper use of pesticides. May be required to report to work outside of the regularly scheduled shift to address Botanic Gardens' time-sensitive operational needs, snow-removal needs, or to assist with departmental emergencies, or to deal with issues of public safety.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• AAS degree in natural resources, conservation or related field, or equivalent combination of education and training, and a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Broad experience with trail maintenance techniques.
• Ability to identify, report, and address trail and infrastructure safety issues.
• Have and maintain a valid Category 3A, Ornamentals, Shade Trees & Turf and Category 10, Demonstration & Research Pest Control, NYS Certified Pesticide Applicator's license or obtain within two years of appointment.
• Be willing to work with pesticides and chemicals.
• Knowledge of and skill with GIS/GPS equipment, and good computer skills.
• Have and maintain NYS driver's license.
• Able to work in a team environment as well as independently to accomplish required tasks and achieve departmental objectives.
• Personable and flexible, possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and take pride in work. Must be able to develop effective working relationships with a variety of people.
• Aware of Natural Area conservation goals, methods and protocols, and be sensitive to Natural Areas preservation and wildlife control issues.
• Willing to support nuisance animal control efforts including lethal methods.
• Knowledge of plant nomenclature and ability to identify a wide range of native and naturalized herbaceous and woody plants.
• Knowledge of natural ecological communities and native plants associated with community types.
• Knowledge of invasive plant species issues and ability to implement treatments for control.
• Experience in the safe operation and use of equipment such as front deck mower, flail and hand mower, tractor, brush hog, string trimmer, tree chipper, chainsaw, and snowblower.
• Proficiency with chainsaw operation to fell and buck trees and ability to support hazard tree abatement program.
• Physically capable of performing the functions associated with this position, and willing to work under varying climatic conditions (heat, cold, precipitation, etc.). Must receive University training and follow fall protection guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in natural resources, conservation or related field.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.